ANNIE CLAUS IS COMIG TO TOWN (2011)

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Part of the Christmas line-up, this darling film has a cute factor that’s off the charts. It borders on ridiculous but also wants to remind us that Christmas is a time to believe in miracles and happiness is a state of being.  

Annie Claus is Coming to Town (2011) Hallmark TV Film Review

For generations when a Claus comes of age, they have a rite of passage they are given should they chose to take it.  This year, Santa’s daughter, Annie (Maria Thayer) is thrilled to pieces to be taking her sabbatical. Fate choses where it will be and by Christmas, after seeing what is out in the world, Annie will have to choose if she will return to run the family business. A romantic, she has visions of meeting her own prince charming much the same way her mother did but her arrival in L.A. is less than what she expected… until she meets Dean (Ryan Bittle).

ANNIE CLAUS IS COMIG TO TOWN (2011). Sam Page co-stars in this older Hallmark Channel Christmas title. All text is © Rissi JC

Falling easily under his spell, Annie becomes enchanted with him and makes friends with the hotel owner, Lucy (Vivica A. Fox) and her young daughter, Mia. But the part of her that is homesick leads her to a struggling toy shop and its owner (Sam Page). This then makes Annie’s decision more complicated.  

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This isn’t an unfamiliar plot (Santa’s kids), and still I actually found myself enjoying this one. (Don’t judge me.) It has more pizzazz than similar scenarios, and a cuter leading man to boot. *wink* Plus there’s plenty of festive cheer to please anyone, and the personality of Annie is quite possibly “perfect.” Her character is enough of a naïve miss to possibly annoy any potential viewer but I found her darling. She was a pleasant mixture of innocence and smart; her spirit touched each of the people she befriended and I appreciated her attitude towards life. So often we forget that life can be what we make of it.

Sure, there’s plenty of things that happen beyond our control but we are also able to decide how that affects our outlook and though none of us are probably quite as chipper as Annie, it’s our attitude that determines most outcomes. Between Lucy (who was hilarious) and her “mini-me” daughter, Mia (what a personality!), and Annie and Ted’s scenes, the characters are what put the sparkle in this film.  

Film work is pretty with strings of lights in nearly every frame. At least one error catches my eye in a reversal of events in one sequence of scenes. Beyond this, this is a festooned charmer. The script is subpar with uses of names where there needs to be none and some sappy declarations. Thrown into the mix is an “evil” plot to take over Santa’s village and some mushy romantics a surprise twist. Annie’s styling doesn’t always pair well together but I did love her pretty, vintage dresses and cozy sweaters.

Lacking in too many areas to be thought clever, this story of how Santa’s daughter found love is a keeper in my book. It has wholesome ideals and despite an attempt at an ambiguous ending, a great set of supporting characters.  

Content: A character easily manipulates another. Tweens tease and belittle class mates.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

9 comments

  1. Oh don't hate me Rissi….but I couldn't stand this one =P I love cheesy….but this was almost too much so. When my dad and I watched it (believe it or not, he likes Hallmark movies even more than my mom) we laughed the whole way through it! And more in a shaking our heads kind of way

    1. I could NEVER hate you (Like ever. :D), Ella, so perish that thought!

      Funny you should mention not liking this one because as I was watching it, I thought I remembered you having talked about it last year. Honestly, I was not expecting to like it as well as I did but it was quite cute and will probably be one of my favorites of this year (since I watch the movies a year behind). Yes, it was sappy but I liked that there wasn't a last-minute chase to the airport (how many films have done that!?) between Annie and her true love among other things.

      My dad watches some of these but sometimes I'd rather he didn't because usually he's shouting at the character's telling them to quit making silly choices – and he often remarks on the cheesy nature of them too. :D

      Anything else you've liked from this year?

  2. I have never heard of this movie but I look forward to finding it in the video store. I like cheesy made for tv Christmas movies. I look forward to them every year. I have never watched Christmas movie where Santa has a daughter, most of the ones I have watched feature Santa's son.

    1. So do I, Carlyn. So do I. :) It's one of the best parts of the season – or rather one of the best, most "relaxing" bits of the season.

      I think I've seen a film in which Santa has a daughter but this version was way better. :)

      Enjoy!

    1. It was way cute, Gina! If you like Hallmark movies or any sappy, happy-go-lucky Christmas/television films, then you'll probably enjoy this one. :)

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